Breeding male’s long bright red tail is unmistakable. Female is yellow-green with a grayish head and a rufous tinge to the tail. Immature and non-breeding males are similar to the female, but with a varying amount of bright red on the rump and tail. Breeds in high-altitude forests and scrub up to the treeline, favoring oak and coniferous forest with a rhododendron understory; winters down to around 600 meters, often in forest edge. Gives high thin buzzy calls and twitters.